During the 2026 SAG Actor Awards on Sunday at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, several performers visibly expressed their opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Among them, Samuel L. Jackson, a prominent figure in Hollywood, prominently displayed an ICE Out pin, signaling his stance against ICE policies. The event drew attention not only for its awards but also for the social commentary highlighted by the actors’ attire and statements.
Meg Stalter’s Fashion Statement Includes an ‘ICE Out’ Pin
Comedian and actress Meg Stalter took to the red carpet in a striking leopard-print dress paired with Y2K-inspired black sunglasses and leopard-print heels. She accessorized her look with a small ICE Out pin attached to her outfit, underscoring her opposition to immigration enforcement practices. Stalter, nominated this year for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for her role as Kayla in Hacks, also served as a presenter during the ceremony. Her ensemble fitted the night’s theme of
“Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the ’20s and ’30s,”
complete with an unlit cigarette.
Wunmi Mosaku Directly Condemns ICE on the Red Carpet
British actress Wunmi Mosaku used her platform at the event to speak openly against ICE. In a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Mosaku criticized the agency’s activities, expressing strong concerns about their impact on human rights.
“I think it’s important because I think what’s going on in this country is incredibly terrifying, and we need to do something about it,”
Mosaku said.
“This isn’t right. This isn’t respectful. This is a human rights issue, dignity and life is being trashed and diminished. And so, yeah, I need them out.”
Samuel L. Jackson Joins the Protest by Wearing the ‘ICE Out’ Pin
Samuel L. Jackson made a noticeable appearance during the awards ceremony, presenting an award for the cast of Sinners while wearing the same ICE Out pin. Fans on social media quickly noticed his gesture, celebrating his visible opposition to ICE. One user wrote,
“SAMUEL L. WITH THE ICE OUT PIN I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT,”
while another emphasized,
“Samuel L Jackson with the ICE OUT pin!!!”
Kristen Bell Hosts Amidst the Event’s New Branding and Calls for Levity
The awards show, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, underwent a rebranding this year, dropping ‘SAG’ for a simpler title: the Actor Awards. Host Kristen Bell, returning for her third time after appearances in 2018 and 2025, set a relaxed tone from the start. She encouraged spontaneity, telling the audience that there would be no limits on acceptance speeches and that colorful language was welcome. Bell commented,
“I think the world can use some levity right now.”
She also joked about the rebrand, saying,
“As you know, this year the show got a little bit of a facelift – like many people in this room can understand. We nipped the SAG. Now it’s just the Actor Awards.”
Showrunner Commends Kristen Bell’s Return as Host
Jon Brockett, the show’s showrunner and executive producer, praised Bell’s role in maintaining the spirit of the ceremony. Ahead of the live broadcast, he stated,
“Kristen Bell knows this show, she knows this community and she knows how to keep everyone entertained and laughing without ever losing the heart of the night,”
Brockett said.
“Having Kristen return to host feels like welcoming back a member of the family. One you actually want to hang out with.”
Actors’ Advocacy Reflects Growing Tensions over Immigration
The appearance of the ICE Out pins on multiple actors, including Samuel L. Jackson and Meg Stalter, along with Wunmi Mosaku’s outspoken criticism, underscores a rising unease within Hollywood regarding immigration enforcement in the United States. By choosing the red carpet—one of the most visible stages in entertainment—to highlight this issue, these performers bring attention to what they describe as a serious human rights concern. As the debate over ICE policies continues, these symbolic acts may influence public discourse and amplify calls for change within the industry and beyond.
